Skeet Horton wanted to find words to describe how basketball helped him overcome a childhood full of obstacles. He grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago. The adults around him didn’t get up and go to work every day. Drug and alcohol abuse were present. Basketball was where Skeet learned to be accountable and when he played, he gave everything. He hooped ‘til it hurt. In return, basketball gave him positive male role models and the drive to become a better version of himself.

Hoop ‘Til It Hurts is a way of living.

“It’s doing your very best and trying your hardest to become better — a better ball player and a better person.”

Hoop ‘Til It Hurts Foundation was developed to support boys and girls who want to play basketball. We want to celebrate the kids who have the drive to play hard and to give them the resources they need to stay on the court by providing uniforms, paying for tournament fees or for travel. But life doesn’t end on the basketball court and many of these kids need more help at home or at school. Hoop “Til It Hurts Foundation partners with other organizations, like Project Education Plus, to make sure that they have support off the court.

We believe that basketball changes lives and we’ve seen firsthand how and mentors can teach children life lessons that will help them become successful and caring adults.